Passaic Man Pleads Guilty in Sex Assault, Death of Toddler

A northern New Jersey man has admitted that he sexually assaulted and fatally beat his girlfriend's toddler daughter at the home the couple shared.

Akel Ackie of Passaic pleaded guilty Wednesday to aggravated manslaughter and child endangerment charges. He faces a 37-year state prison term when he's sentenced Sept. 20, and will have to serve at least 29 years before he becomes eligible for parole.

Passaic County prosecutors say the 25-year-old Ackie was charged in the March 2010 death of the 21-month-old girl. Ackie called 911 when the child had difficulty breathing, and she died three days later.

Prosecutors say the girl died from brain injuries she suffered when Ackie shook and dropped her. She also had blunt force trauma caused by the sexual assault.

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